On March 22, 2021, Hyundai Motor Company released a special video message featuring BTS to commemorate World Water Day, a global initiative set by the United Nations to emphasize the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. While the message and intent of the video were deeply meaningful, it was BTS’ Jimin who instantly stole the spotlight with his effortlessly stylish look, specifically his oversized red plaid shirt and signature blonde hair.

Within hours of the video’s release, the red plaid shirt that Jimin wore had completely sold out in all six available sizes. The demand was so overwhelming that the fashion item quickly disappeared from both domestic and international online stores. This phenomenon, commonly referred to by fans and media alike as the “Jimin Effect,” continues to prove the singer’s unrivaled influence in fashion and commerce. Whenever Jimin is spotted wearing a specific outfit or accessory, fans rush to purchase the same items, causing sellouts that have become routine and expected.

Jimin’s choice of a red plaid shirt for such a significant campaign wasn’t just a fashion moment, it was a visual statement. The oversized cut added a relaxed, youthful charm to his appearance, while the vibrant red complemented his fair skin and blonde hair. The shirt, though seemingly simple, highlighted his unique fashion sensibility: bold, modern, and casually elegant. Coupled with his calm demeanor as he drank water and spoke in the video, Jimin effortlessly delivered both the environmental message and his individual brand of quiet charisma.

This kind of influence is not new to Jimin. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for being a trendsetter, not just within the K-pop industry but in global fashion conversations. His ability to blend soft elegance with edgy flair has won him admiration from fans, stylists, and designers alike. Whether it’s a luxury brand or a casual streetwear label, items worn by Jimin are often catapulted into high demand the moment they appear on camera. In this particular instance, the red plaid shirt was not even from a high-fashion collection, yet it gained luxury-level traction simply because Jimin wore it.

The video message released by Hyundai for World Water Day featured all seven BTS members, each sharing a part of the campaign’s theme: to save water and be mindful of our environmental impact. Jimin’s portion, where he was seen calmly sipping water and expressing his thoughts with sincerity, stood out not only because of his visuals but also due to his tone and presence. His genuine delivery helped amplify the importance of the message, drawing both ARMY and the general public into the campaign’s goal of promoting water conservation.

Jimin’s involvement added a personal and relatable dimension to the campaign. Fans felt a deeper connection to the cause because of how naturally he embodied it. His calm gestures, serene expressions, and minimalist style made the environmental message feel closer to home. In many ways, it wasn’t just about the shirt or even the water, it was about how someone like Jimin, with global recognition, could use his influence to support meaningful causes, all while staying true to his unique identity.

It’s important to recognize how collaborations between global brands and artists like BTS, especially members like Jimin, have elevated awareness on international issues. Hyundai’s campaign was a prime example of how environmental messaging can be stylish, appealing, and effective when presented by individuals who genuinely resonate with fans. By choosing to dress Jimin in a look that was simultaneously comfortable and captivating, the campaign succeeded in creating a viral moment that combined style with substance.

The sellout of the red plaid shirt is a testament not only to Jimin’s commercial power but also to the loyalty and enthusiasm of BTS’s fanbase, ARMY. Fans across the globe see Jimin not just as a celebrity, but as an inspiration. They want to emulate his style, support the causes he believes in, and share in the moments that make him shine. The immediate sellout of the shirt is more than just a consumer reaction, it’s a demonstration of admiration, trust, and the emotional connection that fans have with him.

As the world continues to celebrate World Water Day every year, this moment remains one of the most memorable in terms of celebrity advocacy. Jimin’s red plaid shirt, once just a piece of clothing, became a symbolic reminder of the impact one individual can have when art, influence, and activism come together. In the hands of someone like Jimin, even the smallest gesture, like wearing a shirt, can ripple across the globe.

Immediately after the video was released on Hyundai’s social media , all 6 different sizes of the oversized red plaid shirt Jimin wore and worth about ₩600,000 were sold out despite Jimin’s appearance in the video being only a few seconds.

Jimin Data

Discover more from borahae bulletin

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.